Flask

Item number M3.55 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Translucent honey-coloured flask. The body is pear-shaped body with a flat bottom. The neck is short and cylindrical. The mouth is wide but inside the neck is another, smaller opening. The rim is widely splayed and folded outwards, upward, and inwards. There are 12 pinched out vertical ribs on body from below shoulder to just above bottom.

History Of Use

Used to store unguents, oil or perfume.

Narrative

The van Haersolte Collection

Specific Techniques

The iridescence of ancient glass is symptomatic of the metal content. It is caused by exposure to damp earth or humid air over a long period of time. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in the moisture of the air of soil, forming carbonic acid. This in turn combines with the alkaline constituents of glass, bringing about decomposition of the surface. Glass which has been decolourized with manganese dioxide, such as this piece, displays more iridescence, coloured glass less. For comparative pieces see: Neuberg, pl.xx, fig. 70, c. and pl. xxv, fig. 84. No. 5.